Advertise on podcast: Flame Bearers: Making It To Milan

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★★★★★

4.9

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74 reviews

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Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio. We tell stories via video production, podcasts, and live events and have supported just shy of 400 world-class athletes from 52 countries.In a landscape where 85% of coverage is dedicated to men and the remaining 15% often highlights a narrow segment of women athletes, we broaden the lens to highlight diverse voices. Why? Because we’re here to inspire the next generation of athletes, centering their stories on their terms. Our mission is to spark a movement that lights up women athletes worldwide, inspiring girls to see their dreams within reach. Watch our episodes on YouTube to see our conversations. Tune into all podcast episodes, wherever you get your podcasts including: -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sLW663... -Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... -Castro: https://castro.fm/podcast/f31308b5-4c... Learn more about Flame Bearers here: flamebearerspodcast.com Social Media Handles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamebearers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlameBearersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flame_bearers X: https://twitter.com/flamebearers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flamebearers

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Check latest episodes from Flame Bearers: Making It To Milan podcast

Mia Clerc: Another Life is Waiting for Me

2026/04/22

In this episode of Making It To Milan, Flame Bearers Founder and CEO Jamie Mittelman sits down with Mia Clerc fresh off her third Olympics, where she competed in alpine skiing for [country not stated in transcript]. Mia Clerc reflects on a life- and career-shaping experience, from connecting with athletes she admires like Federica Brignone and Mikaela Shiffrin to comparing Olympic Village dining across Games — with a candid nod to Korea as her favorite. She shares what it meant to return to the Olympic stage again, the atmosphere inside the Village, and how those moments stack up after three appearances. Now back home, Mia Clerc looks ahead to time with family and friends, while acknowledging that skiing remains one of the deepest loves of her life.

Dani Aravich and Ashley Cain: Looking Back on Milan 2026

2026/04/15

In this episode of MADE it to Milan, our series co-hosts Dani Aravich and Ashley Cain look back on what they learned from this series from the athletes they spoke to leading up to Milan, Dani's own competition experience, and Ashley's experience attending as a fan. Dani shares the intensity of racing seven times in nine days, getting sick midway through competition, and hearing family and friends in the stands after competing at past Paralympics without fans. She speaks candidly about the post-Games blues and a season that stretched from World Cups to training camps across Europe. Ashley describes feeling the energy of packed arenas and witnessing athletes open up in interviews about goals beyond medals, ranging from historic performances to hard lessons on the ice.

Polina Rozkova: We Made History

2026/04/08

We’re taking a look at athletes who made it to Milan, starting with Polina Rozkova, a wheelchair curler representing Latvia, who won Latvia’s first-ever Winter Paralympic medal in Milano Cortina. In this episode of Made It To Milan, Polina Rozkova shares the intensity of that final battle, including equipment challenges with her wheelchair setup, a decisive shot against Italy where she displaced two stones, and how a mid-tournament adjustment from her coach changed everything. After a 12-hour journey home, she was welcomed with flowers, airport celebrations, and messages of support from around the world—though she also faced criticism earlier in the Games for not having the correct team jacket. As she looks ahead, she speaks candidly about funding realities, her goal to move beyond “amateur” status, and continuing to build wheelchair curling in Latvia. Her message is simple and direct: if you want something, try to do it.

María Martín-Granizo Ferreiro: Skiing Shows I Can Do it All

2026/04/01

In this episode of Making It To Milan, Ashley Cane sits down with Spanish Paralympic alpine skier and world champion parasurfer Maria Martín Granizo-Ferreiro. Representing Spain in alpine skiing, Maria shares how growing up in a ski-obsessed family shaped her path and how she became the first athlete with her disability to compete against able-bodied skiers in her region. She opens up about balancing elite alpine skiing with a world championship parasurfing career, navigating burnout, injury, and personal loss, and fighting for inclusion in competition. Maria also reflects on the mental strength required to believe in herself when others didn’t—and what it meant to qualify for the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games on the very last possible day, securing her place on her own terms.

Brittany Hudak: Giving Myself Grace

2026/03/25

In this episode of Making It To Milan, Dani Aravich chats with Brittany Hudak, a Canadian Paralympic cross-country skier and biathlete representing Canada, as she prepares for her third Paralympic Games. A two-time Paralympic bronze medalist, Brittany reflects on discovering para sport at 18 after being recruited by a 10-time Paralympian in a Canadian Tire store, and how learning to ski later in life shaped her resilience. She opens up about qualifying for Sochi 2014 after just two years in the sport, evolving into a podium contender by PyeongChang and Beijing, and shifting her focus from medal expectations to process-driven performance in Milano Cortina. Brittany also shares the added layers of being a para athlete—from equipment adaptations to accessibility barriers—and the importance of community, character, and celebrating competitors across nations.

Polina Rozkova: Stay Calm and Don't Have a Cow

2026/03/18

In this episode of Making It To Milan, co-host Dani Aravich speaks with Polina Rozkova, a Latvian Paralympian who competes in wheelchair fencing and wheelchair curling for Latvia. Polina Rozkova traces her athletic roots back to swimming at age three and shares how she discovered fencing during rehabilitation after her 2009 injury. She reflects on representing Latvia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and returning to the stage for Beijing 2022, detailing the pressure and pride of competing for her country. Polina also speaks candidly about accessibility barriers in Latvia, financial strain, and training without professional funding. Looking ahead, she explains the debut of mixed doubles wheelchair curling in Milano Cortina and the possibility of making history. Throughout her journey, she credits her late mother, her friend Diana, and her rescue cat Archibald for keeping her grounded.

Aline Rocha: We Must Evolve

2026/03/13

In this episode of Making It To Milan, co-host Ashley Cane speaks with Aline Rocha, a Brazilian Paralympian who competes in both the Winter and Summer Paralympic Games. Representing Brazil as a sitting skier in cross-country and biathlon, and as a wheelchair racer on the track, Aline is a soon-to-be five-time Paralympian. She reflects on beginning wheelchair racing in 2010 after being introduced to Paralympic sport by her husband and coach, Fernando, competing at Rio 2016, and becoming Brazil’s first woman to compete at a Winter Paralympic Games in 2018 after learning to ski in Sweden. Aline shares the realities of training for snow in a tropical country, balancing two elite disciplines, leaning on psychological preparation to manage pressure, and setting her focus on a long-awaited Paralympic medal in Milano Cortina.

Natalie Wilkie: I Had Something to Prove

2026/03/11

In this episode of Making It To Milan, co-host Dani Aravich sits down with Natalie Wilkie, a Canadian Paralympic cross-country skier and multi-time medalist representing Canada. Natalie shares how she first entered sport after losing her left hand in a childhood accident and how cross-country skiing became a space where she could compete at the highest level. She reflects on balancing expectations as a proven medal contender while continuing to evolve technically and physically within the sport. Natalie also opens up about the role her mom, Karin, has played throughout her journey—from early mornings and logistical support to steady encouragement during high-pressure moments. Together, they discuss resilience, perspective, and what it takes to stay grounded through multiple Paralympic cycles as Natalie prepares for Milano Cortina.

Carina Edlinger: I’m the Master of Hardships

2026/03/06

In this episode of Making It to Milan, Dani Aravich sits down with Carina Edlinger, a Paralympic biathlete representing the Czech Republic. A Paralympic champion and six-time world champion, Carina reflects on her journey from competing for Austria to changing nationality and navigating the complex approval process that now allows her to race biathlon, but not cross-country skiing, in Milano Cortina. She opens up about the mental toll of that decision, the challenge of forming a new relationship with a guide in a different language, and the frustration of shooting under pressure. Karina also shares what it means to compete with a visual impairment, confront misconceptions about disability, lean on her support system—including her psychologist, lawyers, and guide dog—and chase both a clean shooting performance and the chance to sing the Czech anthem in Italy.

Brenna Huckaby: I Forge My Own Path

2026/03/04

In this episode of Making It to Milan, co-host Dani Aravich sits down with Brenna Huckaby, a Paralympic snowboarder representing Team USA, to talk about her road to the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games. Brenna shares how she went from growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as a gymnast to being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 14, undergoing an above-the-knee amputation, and discovering snowboarding on a rehabilitation ski trip in Utah. She opens up about moving across the country at 17 to pursue the sport, qualifying for her first Paralympics at 22, and the legal fight she led to ensure her classification category could compete in Beijing. Brenna reflects on motherhood between Games, managing PMDD and ADHD, navigating prosthetic fit while gaining strength, and embracing her role as a veteran leader on Team USA as she prepares for Milan. She’s joined by a very special guest, her 9 year-old daughter, who shares how she can’t wait to cheer for her mom in Milan.

Kristi Yamaguchi: Be a Champion in Life

2026/02/25

Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi joins co-host Ashley Cain for a conversation on a historic career in figure skating, decades of preparation, and what it takes to stay in it through heartbreak and doubt. Kristi shares how she began skating through physical therapy as a child, and her journey balancing school, family and training to become the first-ever Asian American to win a gold medal in a Winter Olympic competition. Her former coach Christy Ness joins to reflect on Kristi's training and legacy and on the current state of diversity and representation in women's sports. Kristi also shares her decision to start Always Dream, an organization working to ensure children have access to high-quality books in the home environment and extensive family engagement support.

Liu Jaiyu: Find Your Own Soul

2026/02/18

Liu Jiayu joins co-host Ashley Cain to talk through what it means to return for a fifth Olympic run in snowboard halfpipe for China after stepping away from the sport. Jiayu shares how retirement plans shifted toward a comeback, fueled by honest conversations with sponsors and encouragement from her godmother, plus a renewed focus on being “chilled” and present in Milan. She breaks down how she turns her brain on and off on the mountain, uses music and visualization before dropping in, and navigates the hidden grind of injuries, rehab, and the emotional ups and downs of chasing progression. Coach Benjamin “Benny” Bright joins to reflect on working together, Jiayu’s resilience, and their shared emphasis on gratitude, enjoyment, and love for the journey.

Hannah Lim: Owning my Pride

2026/02/13

Ice dancer Hannah Lim joins co-host Ashley Cain to talk about representing South Korea on the road to the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Hannah shares how she first stepped on the ice at four in Richmond Hill in Toronto, Ontario, skated in free skate until she was 14, then found her home in ice dance after trying the Argentine tango and leaning into the artistic side of skating. She explains how a club connection brought her to Montreal, where she teamed up with partner Ye, and why their disciplined routine still includes days when it’s hard to show up—moments where her partner and coaches keep her grounded. From the pride of hearing Korea’s anthem and seeing the flag raised to a pre-competition hug that syncs their breathing, Hannah describes the details that carry them forward, plus her reminder to women athletes that it doesn’t have to be “blood and sweat and tears” to improve.

Mia Clerc: Live Without Regrets

2026/02/11

In this episode, Mia Clerc: Live Without Regrets, Mia (Madagascar, alpine skiing) looks ahead to Milano Cortina 2026 with a focus on patience, joy, and staying present. She shares with co-host Dani Aravich how returning from a 2021 injury reshaped her training mindset, and what it takes to keep confidence when pressure and performance anxiety hit. Mia also explains the reality of racing for a small nation, from limited equipment to piecing together support through family and sponsors, while still following her dreams. She talks about grounding routines before competition, leaning on loved ones from afar, and the pride of representing Madagascar on the Winter Games stage. Mia illustrates resilience with intention, leaving us with reminders to take chances and trust the long process.

Amber Glenn: I’m Done Comparing Myself

2026/02/06

In this episode, Amber Glenn: I’m Done Comparing Myself, Amber Glenn (United States, figure skating) speaks with co-host Ashley Cain on how she steadies herself for Milan by staying consistent, keeping doubts in their place, and focusing on the moment in front of her. She reflects on the pressure and expectations that come with being an Olympian, and why treating the Games like any other competition helps her skate with confidence. Amber also breaks down the craft of choosing music, balancing crowd connection with technical demands, and protecting the joy of performing. With her sister Brooke in her corner, she aims to soak up the Olympic experience by relying on trust, perseverance, and the support surrounding her.

Podcast reviews

Read Flame Bearers: Making It To Milan podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

74 reviews

★★★★★

LizMom of boys 2023/03/02

Such an inspiring podcast

I love Flamebearers! It is honest, educational and so incredibly inspiring. I am not an athlete but the themes Jamie talks to her guests about, being ...

★★★★★

@jkwalnuts 2022/03/15

Flame Bearers

Well done. Nice to hear real life stories of athletes especially form diverse countries.

★★★★★

time to believe 2022/03/02

Open and Honest and Awesome stories!

Love the transparency and willingness to share these stories!

★★★★★

WelcomeToMayhem 2022/02/04

I love it!… and also now want to go kick some butt!

This podcast is great! I love learning about all the ins and outs of these different sports, as well the athletes themselves. I’ve gleaned details I w...

★★★★★

Jerome Shaw 🤲🏾 2022/01/06

Powerful women pushing the limits of potential

Listened to episode “The Invisibility of Disability & Biathlon”. What a sensational woman! Enjoyed hearing the story of Akzhana and her astounding jou...

★★★★★

Danny P Pops 2021/07/30

Great perspectives!

Love this podcast. So many different stories, topics, points of view. Each episode a pleasant surprise. Host Jamie does a great job of interweaving th...

★★★★★

Keala12 2021/07/23

Wonderful Variety of Athletes

I found this podcast completely on accident and loved it from the first episode I listened to. I absolutely love the diversity of the women interview...

★★★★★

cantgetanoriginalname 2021/06/21

Love

Love this podcast but since we are featuring women in sports then the guests need to emphasize what women are doing for social change. The episode abo...

★★★★★

Emma098767890 2021/06/15

Such a great podcast!

This is the podcast we all need for 2020/21. It is thoughtful and educational, but also uplifting and hopeful as we follow the incredible stories of O...

★★★★★

Rororamen 2021/05/28

Must-listen podcast!

Women’s representation in sports is the issue of our time and this podcast is breaking barriers in every way. If you haven’t heard this podcast you’re...

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